THE future of regional journalism has received a boost, with six Deakin University students to be supported through their degrees as part of a federal government investment in the rural and regional media sector.<\/p>\n
Deakin is among 16 universities across Australia to receive a share of $2.29 million funding in the first round of the Regional Journalism Scholarships program.<\/p>\n
The $174,000 awarded to Deakin under the scheme will support five regional or remote students to study a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) at the University, as well as supporting one student to undertake a Bachelor of Communications (Honours).<\/p>\n
The scholarships aim to increase enrolment and completion rates of regional and remote students undertaking journalism-related courses.<\/p>\n
Deakin School of Communication and Creative Arts senior lecturer Dr Kristy Hess said the scholarship opportunities were a much-needed boost for regional and community journalism, at a time when the media landscape was undergoing major change.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a wonderful opportunity for Deakin to continue to play its part in bolstering the rural and regional media sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese scholarships will give rural and regional journalism students a chance to build a media career in the regions and provide communities with the quality information they need in the digital era.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will also help emerging journalists acquire the skills and knowledge needed to operate in the contemporary news media industry and be jobready at the completion of their studies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Hess urged potential candidates who were looking to establish their journalism careers in regional Australia to apply.<\/p>\n
She said local journalism remained an important source of information and connection for regional communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal and hyper-local news still has an important role to play in the digital age, and it\u2019s a vital facet of the future of mainstream journalism in this globalised world.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Regional Journalism Scholarships Program is running over two financial years from 2018\u201319 to 2019\u201320.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE future of regional journalism has received a boost, with six Deakin University students to be supported through their degrees as part of a federal government investment in the rural and regional media sector. Deakin is among 16 universities across Australia to receive a share of $2.29 million funding in the first round of the […]<\/p>\n